Listen live

Video 1:19
Rodwell reunion in Manila

Australian hostage Warren Rodwell who has been freed after being held for 15 months by Islamic militants, is being flown to Manila where he will be reunited with his brother and sister.

Transcript

EMMA ALBERICI, PRESENTER: The Australian man, Warren Rodwell, has spoken to the media for the first time since he was freed following 15 months of captivity in the Southern Philippines.

He was released by his terrorist captors after his family paid a ransom.

Mr Rodwell made a brief statement tonight after arriving in Manila.

WARREN RODWELL, FREED AUSTRALIAN HOSTAGE: What I would like to do is to convey my heartfelt thanks to the Filipino Government and the Australian Government, all those people behind the scenes too that have helped in my release. There was a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness and I'm certainly overwhelmed to know the amount of effort and compassion that's been put into this operation. I'm very happy to be released and to be here and I'd very much like to say thank you.

JOURNALIST: (Inaudible)

WARREN RODWELL: I'm getting stronger.

EMMA ALBERICI: Warren Rodwell has been receiving medical treatment and is expected to meet his brother and sister shortly.